NGPU February 14, 2024

Nakuru Directorate of Youth and Sports Collaborates with Safaricom to Empower Youths Through SMEs

Written by James M Alumera and Nyasimi Dawson

Nakuru County’s Chief Officer for Youth, Sports, Talent, and Resource Mobilization Pastor Alex Maina joined forces with Safaricom leadership to engage with Mixed Martial Arts Groups at Kivumbini Social Hall.

Marvin Owino, the group’s spokesperson, highlighted the challenges faced by residents in the ghetto slum areas and emphasized their efforts to earn a living, which remains insufficient. He urged Governor Susan Kihika’s leadership to fully support them in establishing SMEs and projects, enabling them to experience a better quality of life, similar to youth in other counties.

Safaricom representatives reassured Kivumbini’s youth of ongoing support, citing the company’s commitment to projects benefiting young people in ghettos, promoting safety and peaceful coexistence.

Pastor Alex Maina encouraged the youth to seize every opportunity within their reach for economic well-being and a better life. He assured them of administrative support and collaboration with partners, aligning with Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to improving the status of youth throughout the county.

Phelix Omondi, a representative from Safaricom, urged the youth to think of long-term projects in the community that help unite the people in the society. Also at the event was Phyllis Mungai who spoke fondly of the support that Safaricom would accord to the ghetto groups. She also added that the projects they had proposed would be supported fully.

Through showcasing their skills at the Kivumbini club, boxer Omondi, a person living with disability, got an opportunity from Safaricom which will support him to undergo computer classes fully.

Mr. Abdul Aziz who is a group leader at the club proposed that there should be club competitions that would cover karate, martial arts as well and kickboxing, especially during festive seasons which help positively impact the community by engaging the youth to combat idleness, high crime, and drug abuse.

Through the initiative of Small Micro Enterprises (SMEs), the youth would be kept busy and there would be a decline in the rate of teen pregnancies, drug abuse, and school dropouts. The youth would be able to get training which would aid them in being in a good position to conquer the job market.

In attendance were Mixed Martial Arts Leadership, players, and group leaders among others.